Whether you like the sparkle of a slot machine or the flares in the sky, several Iowa casinos are hosting Fourth of July entertainment options.
It will be hard to outdo Wild Rose Casino in Jefferson for a patriotic concert. You may want to visit Altoona, where Prairie Meadows has some of the grandest horse races — and purses — of the season.
Iowa casinos still want unvaccinated customers to wear masks. PlayIA asks everyone to drive carefully and bet responsibly this holiday weekend.
Greenwood comes to Greene Room for 4th of July celebration
Wild Rose Jefferson asks the question: “What better way to celebrate America than with the artist who penned and performed the most patriotic anthem of all time?”
The artist is Lee Greenwood, and the song is God Bless the USA. Greenwood will have it in his set to mark the Fourth of July weekend, no doubt. The show will take place Friday, July 2, in the casino’s Greene Room.
As part of his promotional materials, Greenwood said:
“USA is the song I always felt the need to write. I wanted to have something that would unite Americans from coast to coast and to instill pride back in the United States. The song represents my family, my community and those men and women who have paid the price for the freedoms we all love and enjoy.”
Doors open at 7 p.m. for the 8 p.m. concert Friday. The tickets are $30.
Prairie Meadows sets busy 4th of July schedule
Must-see stakes races, trackside tunes and fireworks add up to a busy schedule at Prairie Meadows Casino in Altoona. Organizers call it their “All American Extravaganza.”
The celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 2, when Menace brings ’80s classic rock and current hits to the track apron. The show is free.
The music also kicks off the “Festival of Racing” at the Prairie Meadows track apron. More than $1 million in purses are at stake. Post time is 6 p.m. for some of the nation’s top thoroughbreds:
- $225,000 Iowa Oaks (GIII)
- $250,000 Iowa Derby (Listed)
- $300,000 Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap (GIII)
A 4 p.m. post time Saturday, July 3, includes:
- the $100,000 Saylorville (Grade BT),
- the $100,000 Iowa Distaff (Grade BT),
- and the $100,000 Iowa Sprint (Grade BT).
Also, on Saturday, Standing Hampton will be playing its ’70s and ’80s cover hits. Prairie Meadows invites families to stay for “central Iowa’s most spectacular fireworks show on July 3 at dusk.”
If you want to avoid the heat, you can get a seat at Champions on Level 4. Customers can see all the racing action “from the starting gate to the finish line,” according to the racetrack.
More Fourth casino events this weekend
Casinos around the state have special offers planned for customers and club members who visit for the long weekend. Check your favorite casino’s website and social media accounts for more details. Here are a couple of examples:
4th of July Smokin’ Weekend at Casino Queen in Marquette
The Market Street Buffet at Casino Queen in Marquette is planning a “Smokin’ Weekend of Holiday Favorites.” The eatery is adding grilled favorites like burgers, ribs and brats to its regular menu. Weekend dinner hours are 4-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4-8 p.m. Sunday. The grilled selections will also be included during the Market Street Buffet Weekend Brunch.
Spin-Dependence Day at Rhythm City Casino in Davenport
Spin-Dependence Day runs from Friday to Monday at Rhythm City Casino in Davenport. The casino promises six winners every hour who get to spin a wheel for up to $1,500 cash. Membership points determine the number of chances.
